Knockdown picture-frame



F. L. ATKINSON AND N. SCLAR.

KNOCKDOWN PICTURE FRAME.

APPLICATION FILED APEL I6. 1919.

Patented Aug. 19, 1919.

12:; ATTORNEY.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK L. ATKINSON AND NATHAN SCLAR, OF HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY.

KNOCKDOWN PICTURE-FRAME.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 19, 1919.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, FRANK L. ATKIN- soN andNATHAN SOLAR, both citizens of the United States, residing at Hoboken,in the county of Hudson and State of New Jersey, have invented certainnew and useful Improvements in Knockdown Picture-Frames, of which thefollowing is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

Our invention relates to knock-down picture frames, and moreparticularly to a frame structure formed of a plurality of connectedpanels adapted for use in making window displays.

Frames of the character to which our invention relates, are adapted fortemporary use in display windows, each of the panels having mountedtherein suitable printed or decorative matter which may be removablymounted in each of the frames. In order to adapt the frame structure tothe available display space in a window, and permit variation in therelation of the various panels so that the window decoration may bechanged at will, we provide a frame structure embodying thereinconnecting means between the different panels which in addition to beingdetachably connected with the panels or with the permanent structure ofthe display window, will be capable of such adjustment as to permit avariance in the angular relation of different panels with each other,and the association in a completed frame structure of unsymmetricalpanels. The connecting means are so constructed that the frame may bereadily and quickly assembled in a window and if it be desired to removesame therefrom, be as quickly taken down, without likelihood of injuryto the various panels, thus permitting the convenient storage of thepanels when not in use.

If desired, the frame structure instead of containing display matter,may embody therein panels of decorative material to be used as a backingfor a window in ordinary window decorating work.

The connecting means between the different panels are so constructedthat by providing them in sets, they may, by a proper selection, beinterchangeably used in connection with frames of different widths orconstruction, so that any desired combination and arrangement of theseframes may be secured.

The invention consists primarily in a knock-down picture frame embodyingtherein a plurality of independent panels, and independent meansconnecting said panels, each comprising two pivotally connected members,said members being adapted to be detachably connected with the edges ofadj acent panels, whereby the angular relation of said panels may bevaried, and said panels may be separated to dismantle the entire framestructure, and in such other novel features of construction andcombination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, andmore particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a frame structure embodying ourinvention;

Fig. 2 is a plan View thereof; and

Figs. 3 to 12 are perspective views of different elements of a set ofconnecting members used in the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Like letters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment of our invention shown in the drawings, we haveillustrated it in connection with a frame structure arranged in twotiers, the lower tier being shown as being composed of a central panel1, and side extension panels 2, 3, i, 5, 6 and 7 said central panel andthe panels on either side thereof being detachably and pivotallyconnected therewith and with each other by means of connecting elements,so that they may be brought to any desired angular relation with eachother. The upper tier is shown as being composed of a central panel 8occupying a different vertical plane from the panel 1, and sideextension panels 9 and 10. The lower tier of panels is supported fromthe edge of a plank frame 11, although if desired they may rest directlyupon the flooring of the window.

In erecting a frame structure such as that shown in the drawings, anumber of differently formed connecting elements are employed, all ofwhich, however, possess the one characteristic that they comprise twopivotally connected members, one of which is adapted to be detachablyconnected with the edge of one panel and the other of which is adaptedto be detachably connected with theedge of an adjacent panel, or withthe wall of the window.

These connecting elements are arranged in sets, the differences instructural details dividing each set into four general groups, the firstof which is for connecting parallel tiers of panels, the second of whichis for connecting the panels of each tier at the top and bottom thereof,the third of which is for connecting the side bar of one panel with thetop bar of a lower panel, and the fourth of which is for connecting theend panels with the wall of the window. Group number one is shown inFigs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, group number two in Figs. 5 to 8, groupnumber three in Fig. 9, and group number four in Figs. 10 and 11.

Referring more particularly to Fig. ,3, thls element comprises twomembers a and b, plvotally connected at c, the member a be ng providedwith oppositely disposed spring flanges aa adapted to engage oppositesides of the bar of a panel or of the supporting plank 11, while themember Z) is provided with similar flanges bb projecting in the oppositedlrectlon from the flanges a'a In Fig. 4 the arrangement 1s the same asin Fig. l, with the exception that the member a is narrower than themember Z), so as to bring the flanges aa closer together and permit theapplication of the connection element to both a wide and a narrow bar, acondition necessitated by the fact that the upper bar of some panels isreduced in thickness and mortised, as shown in Fig; 12, for the purposeof permitting the insertion or the removal of a display card or otherdecorative matter, in or from, the panel. These elements shown in Figs.3 and 4 are adapted to 'be used at any point of the top and bottom barof the panels, except at the corners.

Referring now to the form of element shown in Figs. 5 to 8, theseelements each comprise two members 03 and e pivotally connected at 7,said members having at the outer ends thereof respectively, springflanges clcl and cc adapted to pass over and engage the top or bottombars of the panel frame. These elements are adapted solely for use atthe corners of the panels, the pivotal connection forming a hingeconnection between adjacent panels, the distance between the flangescarried by said members respectively affording the proper clearance forthe desired pivotal movement of the panels in their entirety.

' Figs. 5 and 6 are adapted for use at the top of the uppermost tier orat the bottom of the lowermost tier of panels, in Fig. 6 two of theflanges as cZcZ being closer together than the flcnges ee to permit theapplication of the element to panel frames of different widths.

In Fig. 7 the construction is the same as in Fig. 6 with the exceptionthat one of the flanges as c, at the inner edge thereof, is cut at 45 toaccommodate the miter jointof a reduced and rabbeted panel bar, thusaffording an element which'may be used in connection with two panels,one of which has a reduced top and mortised' side bar, and the other ofwhich has top and side bars not thus reduced and mortised.

In Fig. 8 the construction is thesame as in Fig. 7, except that bothmembers are narrow, and each has a miter cut upon'one of the flanges topermit the application of the element to adjoining panels, the top barsof which are both reduced in width.

In all of the elements shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the pivot 7 will have avertical axis when applied to the panels, so as to permit the angularrelation of panels of the same tier to be changed at will, themovability of the elements shownin Figs. 3 and 4 with relation to theirpanel or their supporting plank, and the pivotal connection 0 of saidlast named elements, facilitating this ad justment. I

In Fig. 12 we have shown the manner of applying the element illustratedin Fig. 8, to the frame of apanel.

Referring now to Fig. 9, this element is composed of one member 9 likethe member 6 of Fig. 7, and a right angular member h pivotally connectedthereto at i, the member 9 having spring flanges gg similar to theflanges e-e and one angle of the member 72. having oppositely disposedspring flanges h'-h similar to the flanges dd the flange 9 having amiter cut therein similar to that of the flange d v This element isdesigned for application to the side bar of one panel and the top bar ofa shorter panel.

Referring now to the elements shown in Figs. 10 and 11, these elementsare designed to engage the top bar of the end side extension panels andthe structure of the window for the purpose of stabilizing the erectedstructure, each of these elements comprising a right angular plate jhaving a nail hole therein by means of which it may be attached to theside wall of the window, and a member 70 pivotally connected therewithat Z and for the same purpose.

5 elements of another group,

le adapted to pass over and engage the top bar of the panel.

The element shown to engage a full width element shown in Fig. 11 hasone of the flanges as 70 mitered so as to engage a top bar of reducedthickness and a side bar having a mortise therein for receiving the(lisplay or decorative matter.

The various elements do not have to sus' tain any material load, their;purpose being merely to pivotally connect the various panels and to holdthem against toppling. These elements are so constructed and arrangedthat in assembling the frame structure, the elements of one group willreadily adapt themselves to and cooperate with the so as to permit anydesired angular relation of the panels of either tier, and any desiredarrangement of the upper tier of panels in relation to the lower tiers.

The elements shown in Figs. 7, 9 and 11 ma be made both right and left,to permit the r use upon either side of any panel.

A full understanding of the invention can be had by considering themanner of erecting a frame structure such as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2of the drawings.

In erecting this structure, an element like in Fig. 10 is adapted topbar, while the that shown in either Fig. 3 or 4 will be applied to theedge of the plank structure 11 with the spring flanges a-a inclosing anupper edge of this bar, and the element a resting upon the top thereof.The lower bar of the panel will then be forced between the flanges b'-buntil this lower bar comes to rest upon the member b. Any desired numberof these elements may be used, although generally two or three will besufiicient. Before inserting the panel 1 between the flanges b-belements like that shOWn in Fig. 5, are mounted at the lower corners ofthis panel by forcing the flanges e'e or ff upon the lower bar thereofat each corner of the panel. If the panels 2 and 5 are narrower than thepanel 1, or vice versa, elements like that shown in Fig. 6 may be used.

WVhen the panel 1 has been thus secured in place, the panels 2 and 5 aremounted in relation thereto by means of the corner elements theretoforeapplied to the panel 1, and elements like that shown in either Fig. 7 or8 are applied to the top adjacent corners of the panels 1 and 2 and 5,so that said panels 2 and 5 will thus be pivotally connected to thepanel 1.

The panels 3 and 6 are connected to the panels 2 and 5 in the samemanner that the panels 2 and 5 are connected to the panel 1, and by theuse of similar elements, according to the relative width of the topbars. If the display card is to be inserted at the side of the panels 2and'5, an element like that shown in Fi 5 may be used at the top as wellas at the ottom of the panels.

The lower edge of the panels 4: and 7 may be connected to the extensionsof the plank support 11 by means of elements like that shown in Fig. 3or 4, the lower corners of said panels 4: and 7 being connected to theadjacent panel by elements like that shown in Fig. 5 or G, as the casemay be, and the top corner nearest the adjacent panel being connectedwith the side bar of said panel by an element like that shown in Fig. 9

After the structure has been thus assembled, the various panels may bebrought to any desired angular relation by merely shifting the elementconnecting the panels 4: and 7 to the plank structure, a condition whicharises from the pivotal relation of the various panels resulting fromthe application of the several connecting elements to the corners ofadjacent panels.

When the assembling of a tier of panels has been completed, an elementlike that shown in Fig. 10 or 11 is applied to the top of the end sideextensions as at and 7, and the member y' of said elements is secured tothe side wall of the window structure. If desired, a similar element mayalso be applied in like said end panels, and secured to the wall in thesame manner. a

In erecting a second, or succeeding tiers of panels upon the first panelerected, elements like those shown in Fig. 3 or 4: are mounted upon thetop of bar any of the panels of the tier next below, and the panel 8mounted in the other member of these elements. The side panels 9 and 10are mounted in relation to the panel 8 in the same manner as the anels 2and 5 are mounted in relation to the panel 1, said end panels beinconnected with panels of the lower tier y means of elements like thoseshown in Figs. 3 and 4.

It will be observed that the angular relation of panels of one tier doesnot in any way control the angular relation of the panels of asuperimposed tier, and that therefore a frame structure made inaccordance with our invention is particularly adapted for use in forminga background for window decoration and that it particularly lends itselfto the decoration of irregularly shaped windows.

It is apparent that the number and size of panels used may varyindefinitely according to the available window space, and that thestructure of the frame when once erected will be sufiiciently stable forthe purpose for which it is intended.

When it is desired to change a window display, the various panels may beseparated by removing the connecting members which are merelyfrictionally held upon the several panels, thus avoiding any mutilationof manner to the bottom bar of the bars of the panels. The panels maythen be stacked without likelihood of the panel structures being marredby projecting metal parts.

Frames of the character to which our invention' relates are ordinarilysupplied by manufacturers or distributors of merchandise for decoratingthe windows of their dealers, and a frame made in accordance with ourinvention has the advantage that while the general display layout may bedetermined by the manufacturer or distributer, this scheme may bereadily varied to adapt it to windows of difl'erent sizes, since the useof the detachable connecting members and the independent panels permitsthe expansion or contraction of the display as necessity may require.

It is not our intention to limit the invention to the precise details ofconstruction shown in the accompanying drawings, it being apparent thatsuch may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of ourinvention.

Having described the invention, What we claim as new and desire to haveprotected by Letters Patent, is

1. A knock-down picture frame embodying therein a plurality ofindependent panels, and independent means connecting said panels, eachcompgising two pivotally connected members, each having oppositelydisposed spring flanges extending substantially parallel with the axisof said pivotal connection and adapted to inclose and engage the edge ofa panel, whereby the angular relation of said panels may be varied, andsaid panels may be separated to dismantle the entire frame structure.

2. A knock-clown pictureframe embodying therein a plurality ofindependent panels. some of which are of the same height and some ofwhich are of a differentheight, connecting elements uniting said panelsof the same height, each of said elements comprising two pivotallyconnected members having at the outer ends thereof respectivelyoppositely disposed spring flanges extending substantially parallel withthe axis of said pivotal connection and adapted to engage the top orbottom bars of said panels, and connecting elements uniting the shorterpanels with the longer panels consisting of a memher having oppositelydisposed spring flanges adapted to engage the top or bottom bar of saidshorter panel, and a right angular member pivotally connected to saidfirst named member and also having oppositely disposed spring flangesadapted to engage the side bar of the adjacent longer panel. whereby theangular relation of said panels may be varied, and said panels may beseparated to dismantle the entire frame structure.

A knock-down picture frame embodying therein a plurality of independentpanels, independent means connecting said panels, each comprising twopivotally connected members, said members being adapted to be detachablyconnected with the edges of adjacent panels, whereby the angularrelation of said panels may be varied, and said panels of each tierbeing united by means of independent means connecting said panels, eachcomprising two pivotally connected members, said members being adaptedto be detachably connected with the edges of adjacent panels, wherebythe angular relation of said panels may be varied, and said panels maybe separated to dismantle the entire frame structure, and the panels ofdifferent tiers being united by means of two pivotally connected membershaving oppositely disposed spring flanges, the spring flanges of saidmembers projecting in'opposite directions, whereby those of one memberare adapted to engage a top bar of a panel in one tier, and the bottombar of a panel in another tier.

5. A knock-down picture frame embodying therein a plurality ofindependent panels arranged in different tiers, some of said panelsbeing of the same height, and others thereof being of a differentheight, the panels of the same height in each tier being united byindependent connecting elements each comprising two pivotally connectedmembers having thereon respectively oppositely disposed spring flangesadapted to engage the top or the bottom bars of adjacent panels,connecting elements uniting the shorter panels with adjacent longerpanels consisting of a anember having oppositely disposed spring flangesadapted to engage the top or bottom bar of the shorter panel, and aright angular member pivotally connected to said other member and alsohaving oppositely disposed spring flanges adapted to engage the side barof the' adjacent longer panel, an element comprising a right angularplate adapted to be attached to the side wall of a window structure, anda member pivotally connected therewith and having oppositely disposedside flanges adapted to pass over and engage the top bar of an endpanel, and the panels of different tiers being united by means of twopivotally connected members having oppositely disposed spring flanges,the spring flanges of said members projecting in opposite directions,whereby those of one member are adapted to engage a top bar of a panelin one tier, and the bottom bar of a panel in another tier, whereby theangular relation of the panels of each tier and the relation of thedifferent tiers, may be varied, and said panels may be separated todismantle the entire frame structure.

In Witness whereof We have hereunto affixed our signatures, in thepresence of two 10 FRANK L. ATKINSON. NATHAN SOLAR.

Witnesses:

F. T. Wnn'rwon'rrr, CLARICE FRANQK.

copiel 01' this patent may be obtained for five cents each, byaddressing the Commissioner 0! ratentl,

Washington, D. 0."

